Can I cut down a tree on my property?
Conditional — it depends on the tree type and the land's status. Pruning an ordinary garden tree on an in-plan, non-forest plot is generally free; but olive trees, forest-character land and street/municipal trees need a permit. For olive trees (and other protected species) a long-standing ban on uprooting/destruction without a permit from the DAOK applies. On forest-character land, any felling needs Forest Service permission (Law 998/1979), even on a privately-owned forest plot. Street/pavement trees belong to the municipality — cutting or heavy pruning needs municipal permission. In short: an ordinary garden tree yes, olives/forests/public trees only with a permit.
📋 The rules
- Olives/protected: DAOK permit to uproot
- Forest-character land: Forest Service permit (Law 998/1979)
- Street/pavement trees: municipal permit
- In-plan, non-forest, ordinary tree: generally free
- Burning prunings: separately banned in the fire season
🔓 Exceptions
- In-plan private plot, ordinary tree: usually no permit
- Olive Registry (KYA 77979/2025): declaration for >~20 olive trees
- "Law CAP.63 on fruit trees": that's Cyprus, not Greece
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Illegal cutting is fined heavily: illegal olive uprooting brings high per-tree administrative fines (a recorded case ~€240,000 for 80 trees), while illegal felling on forest-character land runs roughly €3,000–€10,000 per stremma, with possible reforestation and criminal liability. Cutting a municipal tree brings a municipal fine plus replacement cost. Note two points: the new Olive Registry duty (KYA 77979/2025, fines €100–€5,000 from 2026) is a declaration, distinct from the felling ban; and the "Law CAP.63 on fruit trees" is Cypriot, not Greek. To stay compliant: before cutting, check the land's character and the tree type and get a permit where needed.
📎 Official sources
- Law 998/1979 — forest protection →
- Forest Service / Forestry Authority →
- DAOK — Directorate of Rural Economy →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I cut a tree in my garden?
If it's an ordinary, non-protected tree on an in-plan, non-forest plot, you generally can without a special permit, though local rules may apply. It's different if it's an olive tree, forest land or a municipal tree.
Do I need a permit to cut an olive tree?
Yes. For olive and other protected species, a long-standing ban on uprooting or destruction without a permit from the DAOK applies. Illegal uprooting of an olive tree brings high per-tree fines, so approval is needed before any action.
What about forest land?
On forest-character land, any felling requires Forest Service permission under Law 998/1979, even if the forest is privately owned. Illegal felling is fined per stremma, with possible reforestation and criminal liability.
Can I cut a pavement tree?
Not on your own. Street or pavement trees belong to the municipality. Cutting or heavy pruning requires municipal approval. Unauthorised cutting brings a municipal fine and a charge for the cost of replacing the tree.
What is the Olive Registry?
It's a new declaration duty (KYA 77979/2025): anyone with a plot of more than about 20 olive trees must register and file an annual declaration, with fines of €100–€5,000 from 2026. It's a separate duty from the ban on cutting the trees.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “cutting tree plot permit greece”
- “cut olive tree fine”
- “felling forest land forest service”
- “pavement tree municipality cut”
- “olive registry declaration”
- “law 998/1979 forest protection”